In recognition of International Women’s Day, we’ve spoken to a number of our female colleagues within the company, asking them to share their thoughts on women in tech and in business in general…
Let’s first meet Ruby, one of our software developers…
What’s your role within the company?
I’m an IoT (Internet of Things) and mobile developer.
What drew you to pursue a career in tech?
I was drawn to working in tech since I saw it as a line of work combining mathematical/logical thinking with creativity.
What do you enjoy most about working in tech?
I enjoy problem solving as well as the freedom to innovate. It’s great to have an insight into different technologies and there is always a new concept or approach or programming language to learn.
Who’s your inspirational female icon/role model?
Sheryl Sandberg (Chief Operating Officer at Facebook). She has worked to the top of Facebook and is at the forefront of the effort to increase the number of women in leadership roles in tech, business and governments.
In your opinion, what more needs to be done to increase the number of women in the tech sector?
Advertise Computer Science degree courses to keen female Mathematicians in schools. Running some female only internship programmes at well-known Tech firms.
Let’s Meet Marketa
What’s your role within the company?
I’m involved in Accounts.
What drew you to pursue a career in this area?
I like consistency, order and numbers and planning – which is exactly what Accounting is about.
What do you enjoy most about working in tech?
The technology helps me to achieve my goals. It gives me the tools to work efficiently.
Who’s your inspirational female icon/role model?
Meryl Streep, Malala Yousafzai
In your opinion, what more needs to be done to increase the number of women in the tech sector?
Give them more flexibility, recognise they work differently to men but equally well.
Let’s meet Ana
What’s your role within the company?
I’m also involved in accounts.
What do you enjoy most about working in tech?
It’s very fast paced, which I really like – keeps you on your toes!
Who’s your inspirational female icon/role model?
My mother in law! She is amazing. She juggled raising 4 children along with running a business with her husband, while also playing tennis to a professional level at Wimbledon!
In your opinion, what more needs to be done to increase the number of women in the tech sector?
Women probably need more credibility that they are able to do the tech jobs and that they are not just seen as ‘male’ jobs.
And lastly, Hatty
What’s your role within the company?
I’m involved in marketing for the company.
What drew you to pursue a career in this area?
To be honest I didn’t really choose it, it kind of chose me, however what I enjoy most about marketing is that I get to combine being creative and analytical at the same time.
What do you enjoy most about working in tech?
I enjoy working within the technology sector as you are always at the forefront of innovation. I also really enjoy learning – something that you are continually doing within this industry.
Who’s your inspirational female icon/role model?
Not your typical answer, but probably the female members of my family & friends. I’ve grown up with some pretty strong and independent women around me, who have always taught me to speak my mind. I really value this now.
In your opinion, what more needs to be done to increase the number of women in the tech sector?
It might have improved now, but when I was at school there was never any emphasis or teaching on computer science or coding. In IT lessons you only ever learnt about Microsoft Office, which isn’t the most exciting of topics! (Sorry Microsoft!) Now I wish I had been given the chance to learn & experience coding as I really enjoy the problem solving element it offers. With this in mind, I think more needs to be done at a younger level to expose females to computer science & coding and the career potentials that are available to them.
